The number of known billionaires in China skyrocketed this year, up to 271 from 189 last year, HuRun said. The actual number of billionaires--including those whose wealth is "hidden"--is probably closer to 600, according to HuRun chair Rupert Hoogewerf.

Here's what else we learned about China's burgeoning billionaire population:

Beijing is the favored hometown of China's billionaires, with 111 billionaires on the HuRun list living there

1/3 of the top 50 hold senior government advisory positions

29 of the top 50 count property as a major source of wealth

30% of the top 50 are delegates to the National Party Council or the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference

The average net worth of China's 1,000 wealthiest people is $924 million